Nigerian Actress, Ini Edo Replies CAN Over ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Movie Controversy

Ini Edo, the Nollywood actress and film producer, has denied claims that her movie title, A Very Dirty Christmas, was meant to demean Christianity or disrespect the Christmas season.

Earlier, Tori News reported that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) recently raised concerns about the title of Ini’s movie, calling it offensive to Christian beliefs.

The association said the title conflicts with the sacred meaning of Christmas, a season that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and represents peace, love, and purity.

CAN stated that linking the holy season with the word “dirty” undermines its spiritual significance and turns a solemn religious celebration into something crude.

While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom in art and film, the association insisted that such freedom should be exercised responsibly, particularly in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria.

In response, Ini Edo, in a statement released on Thursday, explained that the film was created to spark reflection and conversation, not to cause offence.

She noted that all regulatory requirements were met before the film’s release, including approvals from the National Film and Video Censors Board (MFVCB) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).

While describing herself as a devout Christian, Ini Edo stressed that neither she nor the production team intended to ridicule Christianity or the essence of Christmas.

According to the thespian, the film’s title was metaphorical and tied to the story, adding that she was surprised that objections were raised only after the film had been released and approved.

The statement reads, “Art, at its highest form, is meant to provoke thought, spark conversation, and reflect the complexities of human experience. It is in this spirit that A Very Dirty Christmas was created.

“Prior to the release of this film, all legal and regulatory requirements governing motion pictures in Nigeria were fully complied with, including securing the appropriate approval from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), amongst others.

“At no time was there any intention to demean, ridicule, or dishonour Christianity, the Christmas season, or the values held dear by millions of Nigerians.

“I am a devout Christian. My faith is deeply personal to me, and it guides my values, my choices, and my life. I would never knowingly create or associate myself with any work that seeks to misrepresent, disrespect, or undermine my religion or the essence of Christmas.

“The title of the film is metaphorical, reflecting the story being told and the realities explored within it. Christmas, while sacred, is also a season that often reveals the contrast between appearance and truth, joy and struggle, virtue and human imperfection.

“It is therefore surprising that reservations are only being expressed after the film has been released and duly approved by the appropriate regulatory authority.

“I acknowledge the concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and I respect the important role faith plays in our society.”